Moaning Lisa

James L. Brooks wanted to do an episode where Lisa was sad but she did not know why, which inspired him to write this story. The writers also felt that they had done several funny episodes for show and wanted to try something new that was "really emotional and sweet".

In the Simpson house some of the rooms are in a different place, placing the kitchen where the back yard door is now, and a small window, in what is now the kitchen entrance. Of course, this is before they established the look of the home.